Embark on a transcultural journey as we delve into the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Here’s an immersive guide to the top 8 places to visit in the Mekong Delta, each resonating with echoes of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Let’s uncover with Vietnamtour.in not just picturesque landscapes but a profound connection with Indian travellers.
Cai Rang Floating Market
Begin your Mekong Delta adventure at the iconic Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the best places to visit in the Mekong Delta with a vibrant spectacle where boats laden with fresh produce navigate the winding waterways. You can engage with local traders, savour the flavours of tropical fruits, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this dynamic market. Besides that, you should enjoy a delicious breakfast on a boat and sample some local specialities such as banh mi, hu tieu, and fresh coconut juice….
- Tips: Get up early and immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of Cai Rang Floating Market at its peak activity around 4 AM.
- Ticket: To visit floating markets, you will have to hire a boat. The cost for small rowing boats or sampan is about $8 to $22.
- Location: Can Tho River, No. 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Tra Su Forest
If you love nature and wildlife, you shouldn’t miss this must-see Mekong Delta destination, Tra Su Forest – an 850-hectare mangrove forest that is home to many rare and endangered species of birds, animals, and plants. Like the Indian mangroves, this sanctuary in An Giang province teems with biodiversity. You can take a boat ride through the forest, admiring the green canopy and the serene atmosphere. You can also spot some of the exotic creatures that inhabit the forest, such as storks, herons, egrets, bats, snakes, and turtles.
- Tips: Visit Tra Su Forest during the rainy season, from September to November.
- Ticket: Entrance ticket is around $4; Canoeing service to the Melaleuca forest is around $2 (optional)
- Location: Van Tra hamlet, Van Giao commune, Tinh Bien district, An Giang province.
Sam Mountain
If you are looking for a panoramic view of the Mekong Delta, you should not miss Sam Mountain. This glimpse of the local religious culture, a 230-meter-high hill that is dotted with many temples and pagodas. You can hike up the mountain or take a cable car, and enjoy the scenic vistas of the rice fields, orchards, and villages. Explore some of the sacred sites on the mountain, such as Ba Chua Xu Temple, Tay An Pagoda, Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb, and Phat Lon Pagoda to draw parallels to India’s pilgrimage sites, creating a cultural bridge between the two regions.
- Location: Nui Sam ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang province
- Ticket: Adults $1/time, children $0.5/time. Nui Sam cable car ticket price is from $3 to $6 depending on ages
Vinh Trang Pagoda
One of the most impressive pagodas and beautiful places to visit in the Mekong Delta is Vinh Trang Pagoda, located in My Tho city. This pagoda was built in the 19th century and features a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian, and European architectural styles. The pagoda is surrounded by a tranquil garden with lotus ponds, bonsai trees, and statues of Buddha. You can admire the exquisite carvings and paintings inside the pagoda, as well as the giant reclining Buddha outside. The intricate carvings and serene gardens may evoke a sense of calm reminiscent of India’s temples, offering you a shared appreciation for spiritual sanctuaries.
- Location: My Phong village, My Tho City, Tien Giang province
Cavern Pagoda
Another fascinating places to visit in the Mekong Delta is the Cavern Pagoda, also known as Hang Pagoda or Chua Hang. This pagoda is located inside a cave on a mountain in Chau Doc City. You have to climb up 230 steps to reach the entrance of the cave, where you will find a shrine with statues of Buddha and other deities. The cave is also filled with stalactites and stalagmites that create a mysterious and mystical ambience. Carved into limestone cliffs in Chau Doc, Cavern Pagoda invites you to introspection and parallels with India’s ancient cave temples.
- Location: The pagoda is located right on the slopes of Sam Mountain, in Chau Doc City, An Giang province
Xeo Quyt Forest
Xeo Quyt Forest, a hidden gem within the Mekong Delta, beckons nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Venture into this lush jungle, where dense foliage and winding waterways conceal the remnants of a Viet Cong base from the Vietnam War. This forest is composed of cajuput trees and waterways that create a natural camouflage for the guerrillas. You can explore the forest by boat or by foot, and see some of the remnants of the war, such as bunkers, tunnels, traps, and weapons. You will feel a fresh, gentle air different from the city. The forest system with its long life expectancy and hundreds of plant species creates diversity for this tourist area.
- Location: Located in two communes, My Long and My Hiep, in Cao Lanh district, Dong Thap province
- Ticket: $0.5/person at the gate; $0.7/person for canoe price; $1.2/person for bicycle ticket
Can Gio Biosphere Reserve
For an eco-friendly and sustainable adventure looking for some places to visit in the Mekong Delta, you should explore Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers over 70,000 hectares of mangrove forest. This reserve is a haven for biodiversity, with more than 200 species of flora and fauna. For Indian travellers familiar with the diverse ecosystems of India, Can Gio Biosphere Reserve provides a familiar yet unique experience. You can traverse the elevated walkways through mangrove forests, reminiscent of India’s Sundarbans, and enjoy various activities in the reserve, such as kayaking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching, and visiting Monkey Island.
- Location: Tang Hoa, Go Cong Dong district, Tien Giang
- Tips: Check out our Southern Vietnam Tour Package to plan a multi-day trip, including a visit to Can Gio Biosphere Reserve or other Mekong Delta places to visit.
Masjid Mubarak Mosque
If you want to experience a different culture and religion in the Mekong Delta, you should visit Masjid Mubarak Mosque in Chau Doc, An Giang. The mosque is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Vietnam and serves as a place of worship for the Cham Muslim community. The mosque has a simple but elegant design with white walls, green domes, and Arabic inscriptions. Marvel at the architectural details influenced by the Hoa, Cham, Khmer, and Vietnamese communities. As an Indian tourist, you can visit the mosque during prayer times or join a guided tour to learn more about Islam and Cham culture.
- Location: Phu Hiep, Phu Tan, An Giang Province
Let’s embark on cultural exchange as you explore the top 8 places to visit in the Mekong Delta, where the threads of Vietnam and India intertwine, creating a tapestry of shared history, spirituality, and appreciation for the beauty of nature. Plan your trip to the Mekong Delta with our Vietnam tour packages.
